Epistaxis, nosebleed

 Epistaxis (from Greek επιστάζω (epistazo) to bleed from the nose: επί (epi) - "above", "over" + στάζω (stazo) - "to drip" [from the nostrils]) or a nosebleed is the relatively common occurrence of hemorrhage from the nose, usually noticed when the blood drains out through the nostrils. There are two types: anterior (the most common), and posterior (less common, more likely to require medical attention). Sometimes in more severe cases, the blood can come up the nasolacrimal duct and out from the eye. Fresh blood and clotted blood can also flow down into the stomach and cause nausea and vomiting.

Cause

The nose is a part of the body rich in blood vessels (vascular) and is situated in a vulnerable position as it protrudes on the face. As a result, trauma to the face can cause nasal injury and bleeding. The bleeding may be profuse, or simply a minor complication. Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out and crack. This is common in dry climates, or during the winter months when the air is dry and warm from household heaters. People are more susceptible to a bloody nose if they are taking medications which prevent normal blood clotting warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory medication]. In this situation, even a minor trauma could result in significant bleeding.
The incidence of nosebleeds is higher during the colder winter months when upper respiratory infections are more frequent, and the temperature and humidity fluctuate more dramatically. In addition, changes from a bitter cold outside environment to a warm, dry, heated home results in drying and changes in the nose which will make it more susceptible to bleeding. Nosebleeds also occur in hot dry climates with low humidity, or when there is a change in the seasons. The following factors predispose people to nosebleeds:

• Infection
• Trauma, including self-induced by nose picking, especially in children
• Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
• Hypertension
• Use of blood thinning medications
• Alcohol abuse
• Less common causes include tumors and inherited bleeding problems

Nose; epistaxis, hemorrhage:

ABROT ACON ADAM AGAR AIDS ALL-C ALOE ALUM ALUMN AM-C AM-M AMBR ANAC ANAG ANT-C ANT-S ANT-T ANTIPYRIN APIS ARG ARG-N ARN ARS ARS-I ARUM-T ASTER AUR-M BALS-P BAPT BAR-C BAR-M BELL BERB BOR BOTH-A BOTH-L BOV BROM BRY BUFO CACT CALC CALC-P CALC-S CANN-S CANTH CAPS CARB-AN CARB-V CARBN-S CARD-M CAUST CHAM CHIN CHIN-S CIC CINA CINNAM CINNB COFF CON COP COR-R CROC CROT-H CUPR DIG DROS DULC ELAPS ERIG EUPHR EUPI FERR FERR-AR FERR-P FERR-PIC GELS GLON GRAPH HAM HEP HIST HYDR HYOS IND INDG IOD IP KALI-BI KALI-C KALI-CHL KALI-CY KALI-I KALI-N KALI-P KALI-S KREOS LAC-AC LAC-C LACH LAP-LAZ LAVA-H LED LEPRO LYC LYSS M-ARCT MAG-C MAG-M MATI MED MELI MERC MERC-C MERC-CY MEZ MILL MOSCH MUR-AC NAJA NAT-C NAT-M NAT-N NAT-P NAT-S NIT-AC NUX-M NUX-V OXAL PETR PH-AC PHOS PLAT PSOR PULS RAT RHOD RHUS-T RUMX RUTA SABAD SABIN SANG SARS SEC SEP SIL SIN-N SOL-T-AE SPONG STANN STRAM SUL-AC SULPH SYMPH TARAX TARENT TER THLASPI THUJ TIL TRIL TUB UST VERAT VIP WIES ZINC

Blood-black and thick: Croc., Merc., Nux, Puls.; black and thin: Crotal., Ham., Nitr. ac., Sec., Sulph. ac.; tenacious: Croc., Merc., Sec., Veratr.; pale: Bar., Carb. an., Crotal., Dig., Dulc., Kreos., Hyosc., Led., Sabad.; clotted: Arn., Bell., Cham., Croc., Fer., Ipec., Merc., Nitr. ac., Nux v., Puls., Rhus, Stram.; dark and non-coagulable: Ham., Lach.; dark and coagulating: Croc., Merc., Puls., Nux v.
 Bleeding-mornings: Agn. cas., Amb., Amm. carb., Bell., Berb., Bor., Bov., Bry., Calc., Canth., Caps., Carb. v., Chin., Colch., Dros., Graph., Hep., Kali carb., Kreos., Lach., Magn., Natr., Nitr. ac., Nux v., Phos., Rhus, Sep., Stann., Sulph., Thuj.; afternoon: Carb. an., Lyc., Natr. sulph., Nitr., Sulph.; evening: Ant. crud., Bor., Coff., Colch., Dros., Fer., Graph., Lach., Lyc., Phos., Sep., Sulph. ac., Sulph.; night: Bell., Calc., Carb. v., Graph., Magn. mur., Natr. m., Natr. sulph., Rhus, Veratr.; while sleeping: Bry., Merc., Natr. sulph., Nitr. ac., Puls., Sulph., Veratr.; when washing face: Amm. carb., Arn., Kali carb.; after dinner: Amm. carb., Arg. nit.
 Nosebleed-vicarious: Bry., Ham., Lach., Puls.; before menses: Lach.; menses too scanty: Puls., Sec., Sep.; too profuse: Acon., Calc., Croc., Sabad.; amenorrhoea: Bry., Ham., Lach., Phos., Puls., Sep.; during pregnancy: Cocc., Sep.; climaxis: Bell., Bry., Ham., Lach., Nux v., Puls., Sep., Sulph. ac., Sulph.; in diphtheria: Ars., Carb. v., Chin., Lach., Merc. cyan., Nitr. ac., Phos.; in typhoids: Bry., Crot., Lach., Phos. ac. (no relief), Rhus; from anaemia: Carb. v., Chin., Cin., Fer., Sec.; from hyperaemia: Acon., Alum., Bell., Bufo, Cham., Croc., Graph., Melilotus, Rhus; from worms: Cin., Merc., Spig., Tereb.
 

Homoeopathic medicines for Epistaxis

Arnica montana

 Epistaxis, preceded by tingling; copious after every exertion, from mechanical causes; after washing face, during whooping-cough, typhus, etc.; nosebleed in growing children; discharge of several drops of thin blood from nose on first blowing it in the morning; blood bright-red, mixed with clots and leaving a bruised sensation behind. 

Ammonium carbonicum

 Epistaxis every morning on washing face, after dinner, after repeated sneezing, especially if after the flow has ceased a bloody mucus is often blown from the nose; epistaxis with dry coryza, especially at night, without the slightest air passing through; when stooping blood rushes to tip of nose. Hands look blue after washing in cold water and veins distended.
 

Carbo vegetabilis

 Frequent and continued nosebleed, especially in the morning and forenoon, or when pressing at a stool, great paleness of face during and after bleeding; fainting sometimes before; blood thin and black, aggr. at night, in old and debilitated persons, excited by motions or jarring, aggr. after debauch (Nux v.); often followed by a pain over chest.

Crocus sativus

 Discharge from one nostril of very tenacious, thick, stringy black blood, with cold sweat in large drops on forehead; suits women who menstruate long and profusely and are subject to fainting at the approach of menses; epistaxis in overgrown, delicate children; periodicity and chronicity; yellowish, sallow color of face; sour taste in mouth.
 

 Crotalus horridus

 Epistaxis at onset or during course of zymotic or septic diseases (Bapt.) or in broken-down constitutions with depraved state of blood, which is thin, dark and does not coagulate; flushes of face, vertigo, fainting; especially during diphtheria (Lach., Nitr. ac., Chin.).

Ferrum metallicum

 Profuse and repeated bleeding, nostrils continually full of clotted blood, especially in anaemic persons, subject to ebullitions, with an ashy pale face, flushing easily, who are always cold, even in bed; emaciated and weak from recurrent epistaxis (Chin.); epistaxis in children with frequent changes in color of face; blood light or lumpy, coagulates easily (Merc., Puls.). Fer. picr. will often relieve, where the metal fails. 

Hamamelis virginiana

 Flow passive, non-coagulable, with feeling of tightness at the bridge of the nose; profuse, idiopathic or vicarious, especially in young, anaemic girls or when there is haemoptysis at the same time. Mind calm, fulness of head.
 

Pulsatilla pratensis

 Nosebleed from suppressed menses, blood partly fluid and partly clotted, intermitting in intensity, aggr. by going into a warm room or in a recumbent position. Nosebleed with dry coryza in anaemic women whose courses are scanty, late or suppressed.

Vertigo

Vertigo (from the Latin vertō "a whirling or spinning movement") is a subtype of dizziness, where there is a feeling of motion when one is stationary. The symptoms are due to an asymmetric dysfunction of the vestibular system in the inner ear.

Vertigo Causes

Vertigo can be caused by problems in the brain or the inner ear.

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common form of vertigo and is characterized by the sensation of motion initiated by sudden head movements or moving the head in a certain direction. This type of vertigo is rarely serious and can be treated.
  
• Vertigo may also be caused by inflammation within the inner ear (labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis), which is characterized by the sudden onset of vertigo and may be associated with hearing loss. The most common cause of labyrinthitis is a viral or bacterial inner ear infection.
  
• Meniere's disease is composed of a triad of symptoms including: episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitis), and hearing loss. People with this condition have the abrupt onset of severe vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, as well as periods in which they are symptom-free.
  
• Acoustic neuroma is a type of tumor of the nerve tissue that can cause vertigo. Symptoms include vertigo with one-sided ringing in the ear and hearing loss.
  
• Vertigo can be caused by decreased blood flow to the base of the brain. Bleeding into the back of the brain (cerebellar hemorrhage) is characterized by vertigo, headache, difficulty walking, and inability to look toward the side of the bleed. The result is that the person's eyes gaze away from the side with the problem. Walking is also extremely impaired.
  
• Vertigo is often the presenting symptom in multiple sclerosis. The onset is usually abrupt, and examination of the eyes may reveal the inability of the eyes to move past the midline toward the nose.
  
• Head trauma and neck injury may also result in vertigo, which usually goes away on its own.
  
• Migraine, a severe form of headache, may also cause vertigo. The vertigo is usually followed by a headache. There is often a prior history of similar episodes but no lasting problems.
• Complications from diabetes can cause arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) which can lead to lowered blood flow to the brain, causing vertigo symptoms.

Repertory of vertigo

For vertigo, with anxiety: Bell., Caust., Coff., Nux m., Rhod.; 

dimness before the eyes: Acon., Agar., Arn., Bell., Bufo, Calc., Carb. an., Cic., Cimicif., Cycl., Gels., Hep., Hyosc., Ign., Merc., Nitr. ac., Nux v., Phyt., Puls., Robin.,

loss of consciousness: Ang., Bar., Bor., Carb. an., Caust., Chin., Con.

gastric ailments, nausea, vomiting: Acon., Alet., Alum., Arn., Bell., Bufo, Bry., Calc., Chin., Cocc., Collins., Diosc., Hep., Hydrast.,;  palpitation of the heart: Cact., Glon., Hydrast., Lachn., Puls., Plat.; 

headache: Acon., Bell., Bufo, Cact., Carbol. ac., Camph., Cocc., Gels., Glon.,  Ars., Asa., 

fainting: Alet., Apis, Bry., Cham., Croc., Euphor, Lob., Magn. carb., Nux m., Nux v.,

  
In the morning hours: Calc., Nux v., Rhus, Phos., Natr. m.; evening: Bell., Cycl., Lach., Puls., Sep.

noon: Calc. phos., Chin., Ham., Mancin., Phos., Stront., Zinc.;  afternoon: AEsc., Amb., Benz. ac., Bry., Chel., Crot. tigl., Cycl., Diosc., Eup., Fer., Glon., Natr. m., Puls., 

Lying down: Apis, Ars., Aur., Cycl., Lac defl., Merc., Nux m., Nux v., Petr., Phos., Rhod., Staph.;

 in bed: Lac defl., Magn. mur., Petr., Phos., Nitr. ac., Sep., Staph.;  lying on back: Alum., Sulph.;
on waking: Natr. m., Phos.;  on going to bed: Ptel.; in sleep: Sil.; 

at night: Amm. carb., Calc. carb., Clem., Ham., Natr. carb., Natr. m. (midnight), Phys., Rhod., Sil., Spong., Tarent., Ther.; when rising up in bed or from a seat: Acon., Arn., Ars., Bar., Bell., Bry., Cact., Calc. carb., Calc. phos., Cann. Ind., Carb. v., Comocl., Con., Form., Gnaph., Hydr. ac., Lach., Merc., Natr. sulph., Nux v., Petr., Phos., Phyt., Rhus, Sabad., Selen., Sumbul, Triost.

 When walking: Apis, Arn., Ars., Aur., Bell., Bor., Berb., Calc. phos., Cann. sat., Canth., Caps., Coca, Con., Euphor., Fer., Ipec., Lil., Leptan., Led., Lyc., Merc., Natr. m., Nitr. ac., Nux v., Petr., Phel., Phos., Phos. ac., Phyt., Picr. ac., Ptel., Puls., Ran., Sep., Spig., Sulph., Tell.; ascending: Aloe, Ant. crud., Ars. hydrog., Bor., Bov., Calc., Cainca, Dig., Duboisin; steep stairs: Coca; descending: Acon., Amm. m., Arg. met., Bor., Carbol. ac., Con., Fer., Gins., Merc. per., Merc., Phys., Rhod., Ruta, Sab., Sulph., Veratr.;
in fresh air: Agar., Amb., Cycl., Cocc., Nux m., Nux v., Sil.

 Stooping: Acon., Alum., Apis, Bar., Bapt., Bell., Bry., Carb. v., Cobalt., Glon., Hydr. ac., Kalm., Lach., Led., Lyc., Meph., Merc. per., Mosch., Petr., Puls., Sumb., Ther.; looking down: Kalm., Oleand.; on kneeling: Magn. carb.

  
With an empty stomach: Calc., Chin., Iod., Phos.; when eating: Amm. m., Form., Magn. carb., Magn. mur., Petr., Phos., Sil.; during dinner: Calc. phos., Hep., Magn. mur., Oleand.; after eating: Aloe, Calc., Cham., Grat., Lyc., Merc., Natr. m., Nux v., Phos., Psor., Puls., Rhus, Sel., Sep., Sulph., Tarent.; after dinner: Acon., Coloc., Eryng., Fer., Magn. sulph., Nux v., Petr., Phos., Zinc.; on rising from dinner: Phos., Phys.; while walking after dinner: Cocc.; when drinking: Lyc., Sep.; after drinking: Magn. carb., Sep.; after smoking: Brom., Gels., Sil.; after drinking coffee: Cann., Mosch., Nux v.; during constipation: Chin.. Crotal.; before stool: Lach.; during: Cobalt Zinc.; after: Lach., Phos., Zinc.

 With headache: Acon., Ars., Carbon. sulph., Coca, Fer., Fluor. ac., Form., Frax., Gels., Glon., Picr. ac., Sulph.; during pain in forehead: Ars., Grat.; from rush of blood: Eug., Glon., Grat.; on moving: Arn., Carb. v., Kali bi., Meph., Samb., Sulph.; turning head suddenly: Calc., Coloc., Lac. ac., Staph.

 During menses: Calc. phos., Caust., Hyosc., Graph., Lyc., Phos.; after menses: Graph., Nux v., Phos.; during climaxis: Aloe, Con., Lach., Nitr. ac., Phos. ac., Sang., Sep., Ust.

  
From mental exertion: Agar., Alet., Calc. carb., Calc. phos., Cimicif

when reading: Amm. carb., Arn., Par. q.;  writing: Kali carb., Rhod.;  after animated talking: Bor.; 

while studying: Natr. phos.Revolving vertigo: Aloe, Arn., Anac., Bry., Cupr., Cycl., Fer., Nux v., Phos.

 Stupefying vertigo: Agar., Apoc., Arg. nit., Bell., Ars., Calc. carb.,  Hyosc., Kreos., Lyssin, Sil.; 

in morning: Agar.; on rising: Sil.; in house: Staph.; in open air, when walking: Stann. Staggering: Acon., Nux v., Plat., Rhus;  as if intoxicated: Arg. nit., Bry., Caust. Cocc., Curare, Ham., Hyosc.,

  
With trembling and uneasiness: Ars., Calc., Ign., Phos. morning, on rising from bed: Natr. m.; after wine: Natr. carb.; fainting: Ars., Chin., Lac defl., Natr. m., Nux v., Phos.When vomiting: Ars., Ipec., Nux v., Puls., Veratr.

 With inclination to fall forward: Agar., Arn., Alumen, Alum., Caust., Calc. ac., Chel., Cic., Elaps, Fer. ac, Kalm., Led., Lyc., Magn. mur., Magn. sulph., Mang., Natr. m., Petr., Phel., Phos., Puls., Ran., Rhus, Ruta, Sabad., Sarsap., Sil., Spig., Sulph., Tarax.; backward: Bell., Brom., Bry., Chin., ., Rhod., Rhus, Sil., Spig., Spong., Stram.; sideways: Arg. nit., Benz. ac., Bor., Cann. sat., Caust., Con., Dros., Euphr., Ipec., Mez., Rheum, Sil., Scill., Sulph., Tarax., Zinc.; to right side: Acon., Ars., Calc. ac., Carb. an., Euphor., Fer., Grat., Lac defl., Lyssin, Phell., Ruta, Sil.; to left side: Anac., Aur., Bell., Bov., Calc. ac., Cic., Con., Dros., Eup. purp., Euphor., Lach., Merc. per., Mez., Natr. carb., Natr. salicyl., Sil., Spig., Spong., Sulph., Zinc.;

 in general: Acon., Agar., Arn., Ars., Bell., Cocc., Coloc., Con., Crot., Dros., Euphor., Fer., Kreos., Lac., , Puls., Ran., Rheum, Rhod., Rhus, Ruta, Sabad., Scill., Sil., Spig., Spong

Homoeopathic medicine for vertigo

Ranunculus bulbosus

 Vertigo, as if he would fall on leaving the room and going in the air; sudden attack of vertigo in the occiput when walking, as if he would fall, followed by violent tearing in the right temple; dizziness in the head making it difficult to think, with the sensation in the head as if it would be enlarged and distended.

Robinia pseudacacia 

 Vertigo and dulness of the head, in whatever posture it is placed; sensation as if the brain revolved around itself, and also all before it, especially when lying down; vertigo, with unsteadiness and nausea; vertigo and sensation of whirling in the brain, and loss of sensibility of the skin; no feeling when being pinched; vertigo, with obscuration of sight, and sensation as if something rolls about in the head; somnolence and snoring.

Tarentula hispanica

 Different kinds of vertigo, and so severe that it makes him fall down to the ground without losing consciousness; vertigo, malaise, belching, nausea, bloating of the stomach, gagging and efforts to vomit, with vomiting of food; vertigo after breakfast, with a bad taste in the mouth; headache, with giddiness, when fixing the sight on any object; dizziness, with severe pain in the cerebellum, accompanied with incomplete erection of the penis, and formication of the soft palate.

Conium This remedy suits especially the vertigo of the aged and that arising from excesses an all over use of tobacco. Also that form due to cerebral anaemia. There is a sensation when the person looks steadily at an object as if turning in a circle. Vertigo on rising up or going down stairs, with great debility and inclination to sleep. There is a numb feeling in the brain as if stupefied , worse turning over in bed.
Ferrum metallicum  This remedy suits anaemic vertigo, which is worse when suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position. It comes on when going down hill or on crossing water, even though the water be smooth.
Cocculus   Has its principal action on the solar plexus, and vertigo which is connected with digestive troubles suites this remedy, and it develops into the neurasthenic type with occipital headache and lumbo-sacral irritation. There is a flushed face and hot head, worse sitting up and riding in a carriage;it is also worse after eating.
Cinchona    Has a gastric vertigo associated with weakness or anaemia. Also vertigo from debility, looses of fluids, etc. Nux vomica and Pulsatilla may be needed in gastric vertigo. Phosphorous, says Dr. William Boericke, "displays great curative powers in every imaginable case of vertigo, especially in nervous vertigo when caused by nervous debility, sexual abuse, occurring in the morning with an empty stomach, with fainting and trembling."
Rhus toxicodendron   This remedy suits vertigo, especially in old people, which comes on as soon as the patient rises from a sitting position. It is associated with heavy limbs is probably caused by senile changes in the brain.
Causticum    Is suitable to vertigo preceding paralysis. There is a tendency to fall forward or sideways; there is a great anxiety and weakness in the head. It corresponds, therefore, to the vertigo and weakness in the head. It corresponds, therefore to the vertigo of organic brain diseases.
Argentum nitricum   Vertigo, with debility and trembling, is curable by this remedy when there is much mental confusion and a sense of expansion. It seems as if houses would fall on him when he is walking through the street. It also suits vertigo from diseases of the brain and eyes.
Theridion    Has a purely nervous vertigo, especially on closing the eyes; it is accompanied with nausea and is greatly intensified by noise or motion.

Alopecia Areata

What Is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata is considered an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, the tiny cup-shaped structures from which hairs grow. This can lead to hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere.
In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a quarter. In many cases, the disease does not extend beyond a few bare patches. In some people, hair loss is more extensive. Although uncommon, the disease can progress to cause total loss of hair on the head (referred to as alopecia areata totalis) or complete loss of hair on the head, face, and body (alopecia areata universalis).

Alopecia Areata - What Causes It?

In alopecia areata, immune system cells called white blood cells attack the rapidly growing cells in the hair follicles that make the hair. The affected hair follicles become small and drastically slow down hair production. Fortunately, the stem cells that continually supply the follicle with new cells do not seem to be targeted. So the follicle always has the potential to regrow hair.

Homeopathy and Alopecia

After severe acute diseases: Chin., Fer., Calc., Carb. v., Hep., Lyc., Sil.; 

after confinement: Calc., Lyc., Natr. m., Sulph.;
if caused by long grief: Ign., Lach., Phos. ac., Staph.;
 if by nervous or hysteric headaches: Ant. crud., Bufo, Calc., Hep., Nitr. ac., Phos., Sep., Sil., Sulph.;
if caused by frequent sweats: Merc.;
from syphilis: Sarsap., Thuj.
As regards the condition of the scalp and hair give for sensitiveness of the scalp: Ars., Calc., Bar. c., Carb. v., Chin., Hep., Natr. m., Sil., Sulph.
For violent itching of the scalp, especially if in consequence of old suppressed eruptions: Graph., Kali carb., Lyc., Sil., Sulph.
For scales on the head: Calc., Graph., Magn., Staph.
For disposition of hair to turn gray: Graph., Lyc., Phos. ac., Sulph. ac.
For great dryness of the hair: Calc., Kali carb., Phos. ac.
When the hair is frequently covered with viscid sweat: Chin., Merc.
On the eyebrows: Agar., Bell., Caust., Kali carb.
When the hair falls off on the sides of the head: Graph., Phos.;
on the forehead: Ars., Natr. m., Phos.;
on the vertex: Bar. c., Graph., Lyc., Sep., Zinc.;
on the occiput: Carb. v., Petr., Phos., Sil.;
on the temples: Calc., Kali carb., Lyc., Natr. m.;
for some places getting bald: Canth., Iod., Phos.;
Falling off of whiskers: Calc., Graph., Natr. m., Plumb.;
of mustaches: Kali, Natr. m., Plumb.;
of mons veneris: Helleb., Natr., Natr. m., Rhus, Sil.

Arsenicum album

 Touching the hair is painful; bald patches at or near the forehead; scalp covered with dry scabs and scales, looking rough and dirty, extending sometimes even to forehead, face and ears. 

Calcarea carbonica

 Hair falls out, especially when combing; dryness of hair; great sensitiveness of scalp, with yellowish or white scales on scalp; sensation of coldness of outer head. 

Lycopodium clavatum

 Hair becomes gray early; hair falls off after abdominal diseases; after parturition; with burning, scalding, itching of the scalp, especially on getting warm from exercise during the day. 

Phosphorus

 Round patches on scalp completely deprived of hair; falling off of the hair in large bundles on the forehead and on the sides above the ears; the roots of the hair seem to be dry; the denuded scalp looks clear, white and smooth; dandruff copious, falls out in clouds. 

Staphisagria

 Hair falls out, mostly from occiput and around the ears, with humid, foetid eruption or dandruff on the scalp. Hair pulls out without pain after the slightest effort. 

Vinca minor

 Hair falls out in single spots and white hair grows there; spots on head oozing moisture, the hair matting together.

Acne

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or "zits." This includes whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflammed patches of skin (such as cysts).

 

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin become clogged. These holes are called pores.

• Each pore opens to a follicle. A follicle contains a hair and an oil gland. The oil released by the gland helps remove old skin cells and keeps your skin soft.
• When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked. Dirt, bacteria, and cells build up. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.
• If the top of the plug is white, it is called a whitehead.
• If the top of the plug is dark, it is called a blackhead.
• If the plug breaks open, swelling and red bumps occur.
• Acne that is deep in your skin can cause hard, painful cysts. This is called cystic acne.

Acne is most common in teenagers, but anyone can get acne, even babies. Three out of four teenagers have some acne. Hormonal changes may cause the skin to be more oily.
Acne tends to run in families. It may be triggered by:

• Hormonal changes related to puberty, menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
• Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
• Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)
• High levels of humidity and sweating
  

   

  Symptoms

  Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but it may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.
  

  • Blackheads
  • Crusting of skin bumps
  • Cysts
  • Papules (small red bumps)
  • Pustules
  • Redness around the skin eruptions
  • Scarring of the skin
  • Whiteheads
    
    

    Homeopathic medicines for Acne

    
    

    Sulphur Is perhaps the remedy most often indicated in this affection, especially if chronic. The skin is rough and hard and the acne is associated with comedones and constipation; great aggravation from water is the characteristic leading to Sulphur in skin affections. The acne punctata is the variety corresponding most nearly to Sulphur. Simple forms yield to Belladonna or Pulsatilla. Acne rosacea yields to Arsenicum iodatum or Sulphur iodide.

    Sanguinaria   Is another useful remedy in acne, especially in women with scanty menses and irregular circulation of blood. Other remedies for acne dependent on sexual disturbances of women are Calcarea carbonica and Aurum muriaticum natronatrum.

    Kali Brom   produces an acne on the face, neck and shoulders. We frequently find an acne in Epileptics who have been maltreated by bromides. This remedy is especially adapted to the acne simplex and the acne indurata, especially in hyperaesthetic, nervous females, and the late Dr. Martin Deschere loudly praised it. Since Kali bromatum has been found a useful remedy in sexual excesses it will be especially a remedy in acne due to that cause. Dr. J.H.Clarke says, "I know of no remedy of such universal usefulness in cases of simple acne as Kali bromatum.

    Antimonium crudum Small red pimples on face, acne in drunkards with gastric derangements,thirst and white-coated tongue. Antimonium tartaricum. Obstinate cases, with tendency to pustulation, are curable with this remedy. Berberis aquifolium is useful where the skin is rough and the acne persistent. Natrum muriaticum acts especially on the sebaceous glands, and is a very helpful remedy in acne.In this affection attention must be directed especially to the patient's type, temperament and tendencies and the general symptoms are far mores important than the local ones.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition in which people go back and forth between periods of a very good or irritable mood and depression. The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very quick.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally. It usually starts between ages 15 - 25. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder.
Types of bipolar disorder:

• People with bipolar disorder type I have had at least one manic episode and periods of major depression. In the past, bipolar disorder type I was called manic depression.
• People with bipolar disorder type II have never had full mania. Instead they experience periods of high energy levels and impulsiveness that are not as extreme as mania (called hypomania). These periods alternate with episodes of depression.
• A mild form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymia involves less severe mood swings. People with this form alternate between hypomania and mild depression. People with bipolar disorder type II or cyclothymia may be wrongly diagnosed as having depression.

In most people with bipolar disorder, there is no clear cause for the manic or depressive episodes. The following may trigger a manic episode in people with bipolar disorder:

• Life changes such as childbirth
• Medications such as antidepressants or steroids
• Periods of sleeplessness
• Recreational drug use

Symptoms

The manic phase may last from days to months. It can include the following symptoms:

• Easily distracted
• Little need for sleep
• Poor judgment
• Poor temper control
• Reckless behavior and lack of self control
  
  • Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug use
  • Poor judgment
  • Sex with many partners (promiscuity)
  • Spending sprees
• Very elevated mood
  
  • Excess activity (hyperactivity)
  • Increased energy
  • Racing thoughts
  • Talking a lot
  • Very high self-esteem (false beliefs about self or abilities)
• Very involved in activities
• Very upset (agitated or irritated)
  

  General  Treatment

  Periods of depression or mania return in most patients, even with treatment. The main goals of treatment are to:
• Avoid moving from one phase to another
• Avoid the need for a hospital stay
• Help the patient function as well as possible between episodes
• Prevent self-injury and suicide
• Make the episodes less frequent and severe

The health care provider will first try to find out what may have triggered the mood episode. The provider may also look for any medical or emotional problems that might affect treatment.

Common homeopathic remedies for bipolar disorder:

Agaricus Muscarius:

 This is an outstanding remedy for Bipolar disorder. These patients complain of body aches and twitching movements and are highly sensitive to pressure and cold air. They are emotionally insensitive, confused, and talkative with aversion to work. They are constantly yawning and drowsy all day, yet are overly energized and can lift heavy loads. They lack perception for comparative sizes of objects, and they may jump over small objects as if they were tree trunks. When they get angry, they scream and try to harm themselves. They complain of double vision. Words seem to move or swim.

Crocus Sativus: 

This remedy can smooth the progress of patients who undergo frequent and extreme emotional and psychological changes. These patients exhibit violent anger followed by repentance. They exhibit paroxysms of laughter, drowsiness, and lassitude. They are indecisive and go through sudden changes from hilarity to melancholy.

Hyoscyamus Niger: 

This is a first-rate remedy for a troubled nervous system. These patients behave as maniacs, are jealous, paranoid, quarrelsome, and may behave or speak obscenely. They are inclined to immodest acts, gestures, and expressions. They talk uninterruptedly, behave indecently, persist in stripping themselves, and are afraid of being poisoned. They are very restless and laugh at everything. Their symptoms are worse at night and during menses (in women).

Natrum phosphate:

This remedy is indicated for patients having hallucinations; they wake up at night to hear footsteps in the next room and can imagine furniture to be people. 

Passiflora incarnata: 

This remedy has a quieting effect on the nervous system. These patients are  addicted to morphine. They behave hysterically and suffer from lack of sleep. These patients are overworked, which leads to restlessness and lack of sleep.

Platinum metallicum: 

This is a superb remedy for bipolar disorder. These patients are not their usual selves, have a perceived
personality, and feel that everything around them is changed. They are weary of everything and have an irresistible impulse to kill. They are arrogant and have contempt for others. These patients have an abnormal sexual appetite, and women can be nymphomaniacs.

Tarentula hispanica: 

This remedy corresponds with patients who are extremely nervous and hysterical. They are highly restless and must keep in constant motion, although walking makes them even more restless. They experience sudden alterations of mood and can be mischievous with destructive impulses. These patients are discontented and always guided by whims. They are sexually excited to the extent of insanity.

DYSMENORRHOEA

What are menstrual pains? Many women experience discomfort at the time of their periods. For most, this does not interfere with their daily lives or requires any special attention. However, for some women their monthly period is painful, problematic and in some cases disabling. It can interfere with their lives because of the pain and inconvenience caused. In some cases, the pain may be a symptom of endometriosis, which if untreated may impact on their fertility in later life. Some mild to moderate pain accompanies 60% - 80% of normal cycles. It is a sign of normal ovulation and fertility. A pain which can be ignored or relieved with one or two tablets of analgesics, rest or other symptomatic treatment is generally not harmful. The best thing to do yourself, besides convincing yourself that you are not sick, is to stay in good physical health. This can be achieved by a healthy lifestyle with daily exercise, plenty of sleep and rest and, if possible, try to avoid stress. What causes menstrual pains? The natural pains are caused by contractions in the musculature of the uterus. The contractions are caused by the release of the body's prostaglandins, which are hormones produced by the lining of the womb. This produces an interrelated cycle of cramp like pain, bleeding and uterine contractions. Treatment With Homeopathy Cimicifuga The characteristic indication for this remedy in dysmenorrhoea is pain flying across the pelvic region from one side to the other. It is especially useful in rheumatic and nueralgic cases,and in congestive cases it may also be thought of along with Belladonna and Veratrum viride. Headache preceding menses; during menses sharp pains across abdomen, has to double up, labor-like pains, and during menstrual interval debility and perhaps a scanty flow. The resin Macrotin is preferred by many practitioners. The pains of Cimicifuga are not severe and intense nor felt with such acuteness as are those of Chamomilla.

Caulophyllum The dysmenorrhoea of Caulophyllum is essentially spasmodic in character; the pains are bearing down in character.It produces a continued spasm of the uterus simulating first stage of labor; the flow is mostly normal in quantity. The spasmodic intermittent pains which call for Caulophyllum are in the groins, a useful remedy in these spasmodic cases if given between the periods. to various part of the body. Magnesia muriatica is also a remedy which may be studied in uterine spasm. Gelsemium is similar in many respects to Caulophyllum. It is very useful remedy in neuralgic and congestive dysmenorrhoea when there is such bearing down. The pains are spasmodic and labor-like, with passages of large quantities of pale urine. It is one of the best given low in hot water. It will surely relieve the pains at the start.

Belladonna The congestive forms of dysmenorrhoea would call for Belladonna. There is pain preceding the flow and a sensation of heaviness as if everything would protrude from the vulva, relieved by sitting up straight. The pains come on suddenly and cease suddenly; the flow is offensive and clotted. The dysmenorrhoea is intensely painful, the vagina is hot and dry and the pains are cutting through the pelvis in a horizontal direction, not around the body, as in Platinum and Sepia. Veratrum viride has also been used with benefit in congestive dysmenorrhoea, in plethoric women, accompanied by strangury and preceded by intense cerebral congestion, also spasmodic dysmenorrhoea at or near the climacteric.These are conditions in which the old school knows only Opium, yet these remedies are far superior to that drug, often curing permanently while Opium is only palliative.

Viburnum opulus This remedy produces a sudden pain in the region of the uterus before menstruation and much backache during menses. In neuralgic and spasmodic dysmenorrhoea it has achieved considerable reputation. Dr. Hale considers it specific in this form of painful mensturation. Its chief indications seem to be in the character of the pains, which are spasmodic. Spasmodic dysuria in hysterical subjects also calls for Viburnum. Its keynotes, therefore, are bearing down, aching in sacral and pubic region, excruciating, cramp, colicky pains in hypogastrium, much nervousness, and occasional shooting pains in the ovaries. Like Sepia, Viburnum has pains going around the pelvis and also the empty, gone feeling in the stomach; but the bearing down is more violent, culminating in an intense uterine cramp. More indicated by clinical experience than by its pathogenesis.

Xanthoxylum This remedy has about only one use in homoeopathic medicine, and that is in dysmenorrhoea and uterine pains. It is useful where the pains are agonizing, burning, extending down thighs along the crural nerves with a feeling as if the limbs were paralyzed, the mensturation is usually profuse and with it agonizing bearing down pains; chiefly leftsided are the pains of Xanthoxylum, though it also affects the right ovary. It corresponds closely to the neuralgic form of dysmenorrhoea. Hale says that the neuralgic element must predominate to have the remedy efficacious. Some further symptoms may be headache over the left eye the day before the menses, and it seems to correspond to women of spare habits and of a delicate, nervous temperament.

Magnesia phosphorica Perhaps no remedy has achieved a greater clinical reputation in dysmenorrhoea than has Magnesia phosphorica. The pains calling for it are neuralgic and crampy preceding the flow, and the great indication for the use of this remedy is the relief from warmth and the aggravation from motion. In neuralgia of the uterus Magnesia phosphorica vies with Cimicifuga. Uterine engorgements with the characteristic crampy pains will indicate the remedy. It has also been used successfully in membraneous dysmenorrhoea. We have very few remedies for this affection. Borax is one, but it is often unsuccessful, there seems to be no very special characteristic for it , unless it be the fear of downward motion which might exist in some cases. Hale mentions Viburnum, Guaiacum and Ustillago, besides Borax, for membraneous dysmenorrhoea. Their indications are chiefly empirical. Colocynth, a useful remedy in dysmenorrhoea, may be compared with Magnesia phosphorica. The symptoms of Colocynth are severe left-sided ovarian pains, causing patient to double up; pains extend from umbilicus to genitals.

Pulsatilla Dysmenorrhoea calls for Pulsatilla when the menses are dark in color and delayed; the flow will be fitful and the more severe the pains are the more chilly the patient will get. The pains gripe and double the patient up. It is perhaps more useful when given between the periods, and in congestive dysmenorrhoea, from wetting of the feet, it may be compared with Aconite, but in Aconite the discharge is bright red in stead of dark. Chamomilla and Cocculus are two remedies which run along side by side with Pulsatilla in dysmenorrhoea, and all need careful individualization. Chamomilla has also a dark flow, but it has such characteristic mental symptoms of crossness and incivility that it cannot be mistaken. Cocculus also has dark flow. It has a pain as if sharp stones were rubbing against each other in the abdomen from accumulation of flatus; the pains are worse at night, awaken the the patient and make her irritable. Menses come too early, sometimes nausea is an accompaniment. It also is said to be more efficacious given between the periods. The mental condition of Pulsatilla, if present, will always indicate the remedy. Further, if the pains shift about the indications of Pulsatilla are still stronger.